Helyn Marie Rozenski (Kennedy), 89, passed away peacefully onFebruary 9, 2025, in Deer Lodge, Montana.
Born on September 13, 1935 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Helyn was the daughter of John and Helen Kennedy and grew up in Drexel Hill with her sister, Jane. At a young age, she captured attention by being crowned Junior Miss America during a baby parade associated with the Miss America Pageant in 1940. In 1953 she was crowned Miss Ventnor City. She enjoyed playing tennis, working as a junior lifeguard, and reading.
Helyn graduated from Upper Darby High School, where she contributed to the high school newspaper and later she was the editor of her college newspaper. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Bryn Mawr College School of Nursing, graduating summa cum laude. After graduation, she married John L. Sullivan and moved to California to work as a cardiac nurse at Stanford Medical Center.
Later, she married William Arthur Horton and had three children: Barnabas Horton (Dawn Horton), Laura Stryker (Steve Stryker), and Andrea Willey (Horton). The family settled in Sacramento, where Helyn bought her home as single working mother while raising three children. Helyn shared her love for sailing with her children on the Sacramento Delta and San Francisco Bay.
Over a remarkable 44-year nursing career, Helyn worked across emergency rooms, cardiac units, operating rooms, and eventually became Director of Nursing at a skilled nursing facility. She concluded her career as a night shift nurse with the State of California Youth Authority, touching the lives of troubled youth. Passionate about women’s health and rights, she remained active in civic causes throughout her life.
For the past 27 years, Helyn called Deer Lodge, MT home. She was a member of the Deer Lodge Women’s Club, played the local bridge games, enjoyed her book club, and supported PAWS.
She was preceded in death by her husband William Arthur Horton; her parents John and Helen Kennedy; her sister Jane Smith; and grandparents Ida and Jack McErlain. She leaves behind 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren who were her greatest joy along with her beloved cats.
Helyn will be remembered for her strength, compassion, and unwavering spirit. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Helyn.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Helyn and her family.
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